Prime Ministers' Grave Sites Priorities Report 2012-16

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS

[2012-16 Conservation Priorities – 2011 State of Prime Ministers’ Grave Sites Reports]

Page 1 of 25

2011-16 CONSERVATION PRIORITIES

SUBJECT: 2012-16 Conservation Priorities based on the individual

2011 Current State of Prime Ministers’ Grave Sites Reports TO: Madame Julie Dompierre, Director

Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) Secretariat Les Terrasses de la Chaudière 25, Eddy Street, Gatineau, 5th floor Quebec K1A 0M5

FOR: National Program for the Grave Sites of Canadian Prime

Ministers

• GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS

PREPARED BY: Genevieve Charrois, Manager, Certification Heritage Programs Branch Heritage Conservation and Commemoration Directorate Parks Canada

DATE: March 22, 2012

Compiled by: Genevieve Charrois, Certification Manager Heritage Programs Branch, HCCD, PCA

a~,tLW.M Genevieve Charrois

.+. Parks Pares Canada Canada Canada

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS


Page 3 of 25

Table of Contents Pages 1. Right Hon. Sir John A. Macdonald 4-8 2. Hon. Alexander Mackenzie 9 3. Hon. Sir John Abbott 10 4. Right Hon. Sir John Thompson 11-12 5. Hon. Sir Mackenzie Bowell 13-14 6. Right Hon. Charles Tupper 15 7. Right Hon. Sir Wilfrid Laurier 16 8. Right Hon. Sir Robert Borden 17-18 9. Right Hon. Arthur Meighen 19 10. Right Hon. William Lyon Mackenzie King 20 11. Right Hon. R. B. Bennett 21 12. Right Hon. Louis St. Laurent 22 13. Right Hon. John Diefenbaker 23 14. Right Hon. Lester B. Pearson 24 15. Right Hon. Pierre Elliott Trudeau 25

The Right Hon. Sir John A. Macdonald Grave Site Cataraqui Cemetary Kingston, Ontario Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016


Page 4 of 25

Awareness Panel Continue to monitor the integrity of the paint. Every spring and fall the base could be cleaned with fresh water and a soft brush to remove the debris. Alternatively, another row of matching pavers could be installed around the base to create a buffer zone. Contact the panel manufacturer

to determine how to remediate to deterioration. If there is no specifications available for this type of work, sand and repaint to match.

Flagpole Contact the flagpole manufacturer to determine what implications the loss of the black coating has on the life of the flagpole. If required, replace the flag ring. 125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque

Refinish the plaque following the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada specifications for plaque repairs. Ensure the face of the plaque is clean of any debris by periodically washing with fresh water and a soft brush. As maintenance staff complete their routine, debris can be removed by hand. Fresh water and a gentle scrubbing with a soft brush may lessen the staining on the concrete.

Former Prime Minister’s Grave Marker

The granite marker should be cleaned with clean water and a soft brush to remove the discolouration and the agents causing it. At no time should it be cleaned with water under pressure or with detergents. Determine the cause for the

dying grass behind the marker. Maintenance staff may need to top dress and reseed to fill in the patch.

Annual photographic monitoring is required to ensure the cracks in the base stone are not enlarging, and that the obelisk does not begin to lean. The integrity of the mortar must also be monitored. The granite on the family marker should be cleaned with clean water and a soft brush to remove the discolouration and the agents causing it. At no time should it be cleaned with water under pressure or with detergents.

Vegetation (trees, shrubs, plant material, lawn)

Maintenance staff need to ensure that routine weeding of the planting beds is part of the garden routine. When the site plans are updated,

the existence and location of shrubs should be updated.

The slope and other areas throughout the site should be top dressed and reseeded with a mulch to keep it in place.



Page 5 of 25

As this is a national historic site, the use of herbicides for cosmetic reasons is not encouraged. A safe alternative to herbicides for the control of broad-leaf weeds in lawn is corn gluten meal. The family plot inside the fence should be treated with corn gluten meal over the next three years following the manufacturer’s directions.

Under the guidance of an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture, the health of the tree should be established along with a pruning regime if deemed necessary. This detail may need to be added to the conservation maintenance plan for future reference. When the site plans are to be revised, the entire site should be resurveyed and revised to describe the current condition.

Landscape features (pavement, benches and

Once a year any footstones that are beginning to sink into the lawn should have the grass removed from its face, and if need be, should be reset to be level with the ground surface.



Page 6 of 25

others)

There is no appropriate conservation treatment to reverse the wearing away of the inscriptions. Parks Canada should ensure that it has a record of the inscriptions of both marble markers. If there is no record, an impression should be made of their faces to try and recover the information contained within the inscription. These impressions should only be made by an experienced conservator using materials that will not further damage the stones.

Because the surfaces of the marble markers are now so fragile, no cleaning whatsoever should be attempted except by an experienced stone conservator. It may be the case that this professional will recommend that no cleaning be attempted at all in order to extend the life span of the markers.

As part of the regular maintenance regime for the plot, staff should be able to clean the Father of Confederation plaque by brushing away the dust or removing it with fresh water and a soft brush. The gatepost needs to be

tightened to keep out water. Consideration should also be given to adding a support to the bottom rail of the gate to carry some of its weight. This work should be carried out by an experienced metals conservator.



Page 7 of 25

Some physical investigation is required to determine if the missing stone is contributing to the opening of the post's joints. Using the adjacent base as a template, an experienced mason should be able to fabricate and install a replica stone unit.

When the site plans are to be revised, the entire site should be resurveyed and revised to meet the current condition.

Some physical investigation is required to determine what is causing the separation. All posts need to be tightened to keep out water. This work should be carried out by an experienced metals conservator.

The soil should be carefully dug away from the bottom rail and any bare soil should be replanted with sod. On an annual basis, the stones should be monitored for further movement or damage.

Maintenance staff should be able to remove the weeds from between the sandstone pavers by hand (to ensure that the pavers are not damaged) on a regular basis. Where retaining wall stones are

loose and wobbling, they should be rest in the same manner as the rest of the wall. The filter fabric can be cut away.

This corner of the retaining wall should be dug out and completely reset according to the original specifications.

All plant material can be removed by hand from between the steps by the maintenance staff. These stone steps were reset in 2004. It might be best to monitor their condition for the next several years before having them reset according to the original specifications.



Page 8 of 25

Rust should be removed by sanding and the entire handrail should be painted to match.

The Hon. Alexander Mackenzie Grave Site Lakeview Cemetery and Crematorium Sarnia, Ontario Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

[2012-16 Conservation Priorities – 2011 State of Prime Ministers’ Grave Sites Reports] Page 9 of 25

Flagpole The manufacturer of the flagpole should be contacted to determine whether there is a more effective cap for protecting the brackets and bolts. The rusted bolts and plate should be replaced.


A masonry conservation specialist should be engaged to evaluate the overall performance of the conservation work carried out in 2009.

Other Grave Markers The performance of the masonry conservation carried out in 1999 and in 2010 should be reviewed by a masonry specialist and any necessary repairs to the deteriorated headstone be identified.

The condition of the stones and the impact of landscape maintenance practices should be monitored. Landscape features (pavement, benches and others)

To encourage the Lakeview Cemetery to remove or repair the sign. Parks Canada may wish to consider developing a program of directional signs for the gravesites, particularly for those located in large cemeteries.

Lieu de sépulture de l’hon. Sir John Abbott Cimetière Mont-Royal Outremont, Québec Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016


Panneau de sensibilisation Retrait de la base s’il est

décidé de ne pas apposer le panneau de sensibilisation. Sinon, apposition du panneau.

Plaque du 125e anniversaire Retrait des fleurs qui cachent le texte.

Retrait continu des mauvaises herbes derrière la base. Monument funéraire de l’ancien premier ministre

Surveillance pour d’éventuels déplacements, et si besoin rejointoiement approprié des pierres. À moins d’être jugé nécessaire pour l’écoulement des eaux, ne pas ré-enduire la base du monument avec du ciment lorsque ce dernier se désagrégera.

Autres monuments funéraires

Lorsque nécessaire, changer le matériau de consolidation de la croix sur son bloc décoratif (pour un matériau compatible pour sa texture et sa couleur).

Végétation Maintenir l’entretien de la surface gazonnée et le contrôle des mauvaises herbes. Maintenir le niveau de surveillance actuel des arbres et si un affaiblissement structurel est constaté, procéder avec une stabilisation, et si impossible, prévoir un abattage avec remplacement.

The Right Hon. John Sparrow Thompson Grave Site Holy Cross Cemetery Halifax, Nova Scotia Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016


Awareness Panel Replace the oval portrait of

Sir John Sparrow Thompson on the Awareness Panel. Repaint the grey background and the Canadian flags in the Government of Canada logo and the Canada wordmark.

Flagpole The flag pole manufacturer should be consulted to determine if there is a more effective means of protecting and masking the base of the flagpole.

125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque

Clean and refinish the 125 Confederation Anniversary plaque following the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada specifications for plaque repairs. Scrape and apply a new coat of paint to the black metal stand.


Explore alternative means of communicating the content of the inscription that does not require a re-application of paint.

Replace the gravel with grass and institute non-destructive methods of trimming the grass at the base of the stone.

Monitor condition of stone to determine when cleaning is required. Other Grave Markers Repair broken cornerstone to

the granite curb.

Vegetation (trees, lawn, flower bed)

Trim the tree near the entrance so that is does not encroach on the flagpole.

The Right Hon. John Sparrow Thompson Grave Site Holy Cross Cemetery Halifax, Nova Scotia Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016


Landscape features (pavement, benches and others)

Determine the original configuration of the gravesite and develop a landscape plan that would restore the gravesite to its original design, repair the damage to the cornerstone, and protect the site from vehicular traffic while addressing the problem of drainage to the area.

The landscape plan for the site should include a reconsideration of the entrance area and any modifications that might improve the visibility and awareness of the site.

The Hon. Sir Mackenzie Bowell Grave Site Belleville Cemetery Belleville, Ontario Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016


Awareness Panel Replace the existing hardware with a stainless steel version.

The panel should be disassembled when the hardware is replaced. This will allow for the back of the panel and the stand to be sanded and repainted to match. The debris can be removed by hand when the maintenance staff cut the adjacent grass.

Before replacing the gasket, the edge of the cameo should be sanded to remove the early stages of rust and painted black to match.

Flagpole Contact the flagpole manufacturer to determine what implications the loss of the black coating has on the life of the flagpole. If required, replace the flag ring. A replacement Canadian flag must be provided.


Ensure the face of the plaque is clear of any debris by periodically washing with fresh water and a soft brush. As maintenance staff complete their routine, debris can be removed by hand. Fresh water and a gentle scrubbing with a soft brush should remove signs of back splash. As suggested in 2005, the plaque stand should be repainted.


The condition of the limestone should be monitored with photographs every year to determine if the loss of surface is accelerating. As with other memorials in the cemetery, maintenance staff need to be careful when operating lawn mowers or other equipment close to the monument. A masonry conservator should

be retained to assess the condition, determine acceptable remedial measures and perhaps carry out the work.

The 2005 condition assessment recommended recording the inscription with laser scanning technology with a follow-up recording at three year intervals to determine the rate of acceleration.

Perhaps laser recording of this face should also be completed. A masonry

The Hon. Sir Mackenzie Bowell Grave Site Belleville Cemetery Belleville, Ontario Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016


conservator should be retained to assess the condition, determine the cause and propose any acceptable remedial measures.

As suggested in the 2005 condition assessment, as a way of monitoring their stability, the areas could be scanned using laser scanning technology and rerecorded every three years for comparison.


Staff should discuss if there is a design or branding issue with these two arrangements and their impact on one another.

The bare areas should be top dressed and reseeded.


These pavers must be pulled up and reset at the same level as the rest of the paved area. As maintenance staff are cutting the adjacent grass, it would be a convenient time to pull up the weeds.

The garbage could be moved to another location so that is not seen as part of this arrangement and is also still convenient to the cemetery's front gates.

The Right Hon. Charles Tupper Grave Site St. John’s Cemetery and Columbarium Halifax, Nova Scotia Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016


Awareness Panel Touch up or refinish the gray background paint on the Awareness Panel and touch up the black paint on the metal stand.

Remove pavers, raise and level gravel base, and re-lay the pavers.

Vegetation Engage the services of a landscape designer or horticulturalist to assess the plantings and determine whether they are unsuitable to this location or whether growth can be controlled through regular pruning.

The Right Hon. Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s Grave Site Notre Dame Cemetery Ottawa, Ontario Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016


Awareness Panel Touch up paint of the red flag. Treat the rust, paint the panel

where required, and reinstall and seal the picture frame to the panel.

Flagpole Replace the flag loop, and paint the pole where paint has worn off.

Gently wash the base to remove lichen. 125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque

Replace missing plaque and treat the rust.


Monitor joints deterioration; if required, proceed with localized repointing. Also monitor levelling of surfaces and rust spots. Remove the accumulating debris. Parging of concrete

foundation.


Investigate causes of stress. Implement measures to

improve situation and avoid stress on vegetation.

Limestone Paving Level and use compatible mortar to fix cracked paving units or replace paving..

Gently clean the surface. Other features (benches, spotlights, and garbage container)

Move one of the granite benches to a more suitable location.

Replace the wood/metal benches.

Move, change or eliminate garbage bin.

The Right Hon. Sir Robert Laird Borden Grave Site Beechwood Cemetery Ottawa, Ontario Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016


Awareness Panel A new collar at the base should be installed. To prevent further damage, maintenance staff should be cautioned about using equipment around the base.

All rust should be removed and the mounting plate sanded and repainted with an appropriate black paint to match.

Where needed, the red paint should be touched up with the correct colour and paint.

The cameo's gasket needs to be replaced if it cannot be repaired.

As maintenance staff complete their rounds, the material can be removed by hand. Flagpole Contact the flagpole

manufacturer to determine what implications the loss of the black coating has on the life of the flagpole. If required, replace the flag ring.


Refinish the plaque following the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada specifications for plaque repairs.

All rust should be removed and the mounting plate sanded and repainted with an appropriate black paint to match.

The concrete base should be cleaned with water and a soft brush on an annual basis if required to maintain a vegetation-free surface. High pressure water, herbicides or detergents should not be used in the cleaning process.

Former Prime Minister's Grave Marker

Borden's marker should be cleaned with water and a soft brush. High pressure water, herbicides or detergents should not be used in the

The Right Hon. Sir Robert Laird Borden Grave Site Beechwood Cemetery Ottawa, Ontario Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016


cleaning process. The spalling on the rear of Borden's marker should be monitored over the next couple of years before proposing any remedial action. Mrs. Borden's marker should be cleaned with water and a soft brush. High pressure water, herbicides or detergents should not be used in the cleaning process.

As maintenance staff complete their rounds, the debris can be removed by hand. The discolouration should be monitored before proposing any remedial action. The spall or blister on the back of the granite cross should be monitored over the next couple of years before proposing any remedial action.


The maple and spruce trees should be pruned in the winter of 2012 by an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture.

.

The areas where the grass has died should be top-dressed and re-seeded with a shade tolerant grass species. Weeds should be addressed using the cemetery's regular methods. The shrubs should be pruned

in early spring 2013 by an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture.


The three pavers should be lifted and re-set to be level with the adjacent pavers.

The pavers should be lifted and inspected to confirm the pavement integrity. If it can be reused, the broken piece should be removed, and the paver re-set to be level with the adjacent pavers. If not possible to reuse, the paver should be replaced in kind.

The Right Hon. Arthur Meighen Grave Site St. Mary’s Cemetery St. Mary’s, Ontario Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016


Awareness Panel The black metal stand should be scraped, sanded and repainted and the missing bolt should be replaced.

Flagpole Contact the manufacturer of the flag pole to discuss options for providing more durable and less abrasive attachments for the bottom of the flag.

The manufacturer of the flagpole should also be contacted to determine whether there is a more effective cap for protecting and masking the brackets and bolts.


Scrape and repaint stand and maroon background paint following the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada specifications for plaque repairs.


Add topsoil to mask the exposed concrete base on the downward slope.

Monitor the condition of the stone to determine when a gentle cleaning is required. Vegetation (trees, lawn, flower bed)

Add top soil to the site to even out the depressions in the lawn in from of the grave stone.

The Right Hon. William Lyon Mackenzie King Grave Site Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, Ontario Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016


Awareness Panel Touch up the awareness panel and black metal stand with matching paint.

Flagpole Contact the manufacturer of the flag pole to discuss options for providing a more durable and less abrasive attachment for the bottom of the flag.

Contact the manufacturer of the flag pole to discuss options for providing a metal base cap that provides more effective protection to the steel bolts and brackets at the base of the pole.


Consideration should be give to relocating the 125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque to a location closer to the Awareness Panel and away from the gravesite itself.

Touch up black paint on the metals stand.


Monitor condition of gravemarker and gently clean stone if soiling becomes more evident.

Other Plaques or Other Grave Markers

Repair the lettering on the Dougall King gravestone and gently clean the granite to remove biotic matter.


Regular top dressing and reseeding of the lawn is required to address promote the growth of grass in areas of high traffic. The relationship between Parks Canada and Mount Pleasant Cemetery should be formalized and the roles, responsibilities, and expectations clarified.

The Right Hon. Richard Bedford Bennett Grave Site St.Michael and All Angels Church Mickleham, Surrey, United Kingdom Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016


Awareness Panel As grounds staff are making their usual rounds, the dust and grime could be easily removed with a light wash of water with gentle scrubbing. The 2005 report suggested that 150 mm wide Portland limestone paving could be installed as a boarder to frame the awareness panel and provide a buffer from lawn trimmers. This recommendation was not carried out. Other options would be to trim the grass by hand or to be exceptionally careful with any mechanical equipment.


As the maintenance staff complete their rounds, the debris could be easily removed from joints and edges with a soft broom or by hand. Since the depression in the coverstone is prone to collecting water, it should be monitored for any further deterioration.

Vegetation (tress, lawn, flower bed)

If it is not already part of the maintenance regime, maintenance staff should ensure that the grass is pulled back or clipped away from the grave marker's apron in a manner that does not damage the stone.


If it is not already part of the maintenance regime for the grounds, maintenance staff should ensure that the grate is always visible thereby allowing proper drainage of the path. At the time of the site visit, the

catchment basin was not noted on the grave's site plan. This element should be noted on the site plan when the drawings are updated.

Lieu de sépulture du très hon. Louis S. Saint-Laurent Cimetière Saint-Thomas d’Aquin Compton, Québec Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016


Panneau de sensibilisation Si besoin, traiter la rouille et peinturer.

Plaque du 125e anniversaire Peinturer le poteau là où il manque d’enduit.

Monument funéraire de l’ancien premier ministre

Maintenir la surface libre de déchets de tonte. Le cas échéant, mettre à niveau.

Autres monuments funéraires

Nettoyer très doucement les moisissures et le lichen.

Plaques au sol Contrôle de la surface gazonnée sur les plaques au sol. Végétation (surface gazonnée et arbres d’alignement)

Végétation : maintenir l’entretien de la surface gazonnée et le contrôle des mauvaises herbes. Arbres d’alignement : surveiller de façon préventive la structure des arbres matures et la croissance des arbres nouvellement plantés.

Clôture en fer forgé Traiter la rouille et peinturer. Vérifier pourquoi le portillon ouvre si mal, et traiter la cause. Si besoin, remettre la clôture de niveau et la réaligner.

The Right Hon. John George Diefenbaker’s Grave Site Diefenbaker Canada Centre, University of Saskatchewan Campus Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016


Awareness Panel Determine type of finish on back plate and propose methods for corrosion removal and treatment. Paint steel back plate satin black to match base cover. Remove plaque from backing plate to permit proper preparation and paint application. Re-install plaque.

Determine type of finish on steel post and propose methods for corrosion removal and treatment. Paint steel post satin black to match base cover.

Flagpole Continue to monitor condition of the finish and of the base cover. 125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque

Examine abrasion damage and advise if repair is possible.

If possible, repair following the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada specifications for plaque repairs.

Examine marks and oxidation and advise if repair is possible.

If possible, repair following the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada specifications for plaque repairs.

Examine damage to granite base and advise if repair is possible.

If possible, repair.


Remove blades of grass by hand. Examine damage to granite

slabs and advise if repair is possible. Determine cause of marks.

If possible, repair granite slabs.

Lift slabs, level and compact base, and re-set slabs in place.

Examine damage to granite centre panel and advise if repair is possible.

If possible, repair granite centre panel.

Vegetation Provide ongoing maintenance to ensure vigorous growth of young trees and continue to monitor squirrel activity. Landscape Features Continue to monitor condition (including the gravel ‘landscape feature’). Replace concrete edge of paths if damage worsens.

Lieu de sépulture du très hon. Leaster B. Pearson Cimetière Maclaren Wakefield, Québec Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016


Panneau de sensibilisation Traiter les plaques de rouille et nettoyer les résidus de rouille.

Faire recolorer le drapeau du Canada.

Mât du drapeau Nettoyer la base du mât. Changer l’anneau.

Plaque du 125e anniversaire Faire recolorer la plaque et la rendre lisible selon les spécifications que possèdent la CLMHC ou celles du manufacturier. Traiter la rouille.

Si impossible, changer la plaque.


Nettoyer le lichen sur la base. Mettre à niveau.

Bornes d’orientation et pierres au sol

Mettre à niveau et contrôler la présence de gazon sur les bornes et plaques au sol.

Végétation Maintenir l’entretien de la surface gazonnée et le contrôle des mauvaises herbes. Surface en criblure de pierre Remettre de la criblure de

pierre et niveler le tout.

Clôtures en bois Vérifier les pièces en bois, les remplacer au besoin, reconsolider le tout et mettre à niveau autant que possible.

Lieu de sépulture du très hon. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Cimetière Saint-Rémi Saint-Rémi, Québec Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016



Rejointoiement des joints dégradés de l’escalier et du palier.

Recollement de l’éclat sur le côté de la plaque de granit sur le mausolée.

Surveillance de la fissure de la dalle au pied de la porte. Surveillance d’une possible infestation de coccinelles à l’intérieur du mausolée. Maintenir les surfaces libres de déchets de tonte.

Plaques d’orientation Remise à niveau des plaques le nécessitant et réaménagement de la composition autour de la plaque près du mausolée.

Végétation (surface gazonnée)

Contrôle des mauvaises herbes par un programme de réensemencement.

Documents

Prime Ministers' Grave Sites Priorities Report 2012-16